Reprinted by permission of the authors
History of the Secret War in Laos 1953-1975
Author
Khao Insixiengmay, Special Guerrilla Unit 33, Regimental Commander, Military Region 3
& Mark Carroll, Former Board Chair of Lao Advancement OrganizaNon of America
Note: This summary is not meant to be an exhaustive study of the war in Laos. It intends to highlight selected components involved in the complex mosaic and to honor those who fought side by side with the Royal Lao Military.
At the close of World War Two, France began efforts to re-establish its control over its colonies in Indochina. An indication of the problems ahead occurred on September 2, 1945, when Ho Chi Minh declared independence of Vietnam. For the next nine years France fought, with varying degrees of intensity, the communist-led Viet Minh independence movement.
During the early 1950s, the United States grew increasingly concerned about the communist military advances in Indochina and Laos in particular. In a statement on March 17, 1953, in response to an incursion by Viet Minh forces into Laos, the U.S. State Department said, “The United States will continue to provide and will study ways and means of making more effective its assistance to the Associated States of Indochina and to France in the struggle to destroy Communist aggression in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.”
One month later the U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, at a news conference on May 9, 1953, responded to information about a Viet Minh offensive toward Luang Prabang on April 12th. The Secretary explained that the United States had “issued a statement of support and sympathy” after the Government of Laos appealed to the free world to condemn the aggression. The United States agreed to send cargo planes to the area to assist in moving supplies. Less than a year later the French had established their base at Dien Bien Phu, a small town near the Laos- Vietnam border, to block a Viet Minh incursion into Laos.
The decisive battle occurred in the spring of 1954. Historically, Dien Bien Phu had been part of Laos and named Muang Thaeng. The French established a primary base in a valley with rings of smaller, supporting bases. One goal of the base was to stop the flow of war materiel from Vietnam into Laos. The final battle began at the end of March 1954 and over the next month the Vietminh overran French support bases, one by one, until only the primary base remained. By May 7th the last stronghold fell base, forcing the French to surrender. This loss contributed to negotiations ending French rule over Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Nearly simultaneous with the fall of Dien Bien Phu, negotiators assembled in Geneva to work out a peace plan for Indochina. For Laos, this came in the form of an agreement titled: Indochina - Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Laos, July 20, 1954. This agreement provided the framework for ending hostilities and maintaining peace in the future. Crucial to this was Chapter 2, Article 6, which said, “With effect from the proclamation of the cease-fire the introduction into Laos of any reinforcements of troops or military personnel from outside Lao territory is prohibited.” The French were allowed to leave 1500 personnel to serve as trainers to the Lao military. An international commission was established to have, “...control and supervision over the application of the provisions of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Laos.” Despite these restrictions, the military situation continued to deteriorate for the royal Lao government during the late 1950s and early 1960s as result of attacks by Communist Pathet Lao supported by Hanoi.
Lao Stability Threatened
Both Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy believed that Laos would play a major role in stopping the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. In a May, 1953 letter to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Eisenhower wrote of his concern for the situation in Korea and believed that similar concern be given to Southeast Asia, “...with especial emphasis on the new invasion in Laos...” The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), an Asian collective security organization formed in 1954 and intended to mirror NATO, prescribed military protection for Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam (though the Geneva Agreements prohibited the latter three nations from membership).
Two years later, in June 1955 Eisenhower again wrote to Churchill stating his concern that the communists were getting stronger in the areas of Laos they controlled and that “we face the possibility of ultimately losing that entire area to the communists, just as we lost North Vietnam.”
Eisenhower received information in December 1960 about combined attacks in Laos by the Viet Minh and the Pathet Lao and supplied by airdrops by the Soviet Union. Eisenhower believing it might be necessary to deploy military units said, “If war is necessary, we will do so with our allies or unilaterally, since we cannot sit by and see Laos go down without a fight.” Then, two weeks before leaving office, Eisenhower commented to Prime Minister Nehru about the strategic importance of Laos because “it lies in the path of Communist expansionist intent in Asia, and is perhaps the most vulnerable spot on the entire periphery of the communist-controlled Eurasian land mass.”
In September 1961, President Kennedy delivered a speech at the United Nations in which he discussed world trouble spots, including Laos. He believed that the entire world community must view the “threat to Lao peace and freedom is indivisible from all other threats to their own.”
US Assistance Increases: White Star and Project 404
With concern about the future of Southeast Asia, and Laos in particular, Eisenhower, and later Kennedy, took actions to help the Lao government and the Royal Lao Army. One of the first steps to occur, in December 1955, was the establishment of the Program Evaluation Office
(PEO).
Using the cover of a civilian aid mission, PEO soon replaced France in the military
mission.
PEO was filled partially by Special Forces soldiers who were removed from active-duty status and thus transformed into civilians, (a proccess called ‘sheep dipping’) to comply with the Geneva Agreement ending the French-Indochina War. This allowed them to work in Laos without jeopardy of violating the peace agreement.
After the arrival of four hundred members of the 77th Special Forces Group (later renamed 7th
Special Forces Group) starting to arrive in July 1959. The PEO was re-designated Military Assistance and Advisory Group Laos, or MAAG Laos.
The Special Forces were organized into Field Training Teams (FTTs) to train the Lao military in military tactics and unconventional warfare. The FTTs were later renamed White Star Mobile Training Teams, with the code name ‘HOTFOOT’. Some of the FTT personnel were among the earliest casualties of the war.
Captain Walter Moon commanded the four-man FTT 59 in early 1961, which advised the 6th Bataillon d'infanterie (Lao). In April of that year, Moon, his team, and the 6th Bataillon d'infanterie (Lao) were conducting a mission near Phou Tesao, when they came under attack. The
Pathet Lao surrounded and soon overran Moon’s position, capturing him and Sgt. O. Roger Ballenger. Moon was eventually executed, and Ballenger was released in 1962. Under the terms of the Peace Accords, the United States withdrew in
October 1962.
Another covert program, in Laos, was Project 404. Composed of roughly 180 Air Force, Army and civilian personnel who were assigned to Thailand, but worked in Laos. They worked at Royal Lao Air Force bases and regional military headquarters. They provided communication and intelligence support for operations by assisting in targeting and coordination of regional air
support. In addition, the Project 404, advisors also had the role of legitimate trainers to the Lao military.
.
Use of Specialized Units
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was not one simple trail, but a series of interconnected paths. The Trail was the primary land route for sending the men and supplies in advance and placing the North Vietnamese in position for combat operations. The importance of Laos in the war effort of North Vietnam was the fact that the Trail was the only route to send men and supplies south for use in the war in South Vietnam. Key to stopping this was the massive bombing of the Trail by land and sea-based USAF and USN aircraft. The sea logistical lines to land men and supplies along the coast of SVN was closed by the US Navy. The massive bombing of the Trail did not stop the flow of men and supplies nor cut the trail. The Trail entered Laos north of the DMZ through Mu Gia Pass and other gaps in the Annamite Mountains that divided Laos and Vietnam. The bulk of the Trail in Laos was in Military.
Region 3 (around Savannakhet Province) and Military Region 4 at the southern tip of the panhandle. The trail branched off in several spots to enter South Vietnam.
. Road-watch Teams were deployed on the Trail. The teams were part of the Special Guerrilla Units (SGU), well trained and highly motivated soldiers of the Royal Lao Army.
The teams would watch for enemy movement along the trail, making note of how many and what kind of vehicles passed by numbers of enemy soldiers passing by and caches of enemy supplies. This information was passed to a Lao officer flying as a Forward Air Controller (FAC), CONVEY, NAIL flying from Thailand and SVN to coordinate Trail bombing.
The Lao FACs flew with American Pilots who were volunteers with experience in Vietnam. Nicknamed ‘The Ravens’, they flew low and slow, in O-1, T28, and OV-10, looking for targets. Usually, these FAC communicated with the ground troops to locate the targets. FACs would call for air strike on the target(s) by Royal Lao Air Force’s T-28, F-4 Phantoms, F105 Thunder chiefs or any other available U.S. aircraft. The person assigned to working with the ground troops was called a Forward Air Guide (FAG). FAGs received training in Udorn, Thailand by US Air Force personnel to learn how to communicate with the Raven pilots, who were Americans. Wearing civilian clothes, the Raven pilots were assigned to the Water pump operation at Udorn, Thailand. They were stationed at five bases in Laos, from Louang Prabang in the north to Pakse in the south. They operated under the direction of the American ambassador in Vientiane and provided valuable target information for the Lao and US Air Forces.
The Commando Raider Teams (CRTs) got their start because of the success of the road watch teams. In September 1969, a road watch team in the Mu Gia Pass area was moving to an extraction point, when they came across 52 trucks with only five guards. They were pulled out, debriefed, then, because they knew the area, were sent back in to destroy the trucks. They succeeded in destroying the trucks. The Commando Raider teams were to be better trained and given the best equipment. They were to be called in for the most difficult activities, including prisoner snatches, bomb damage assessment, and cross-border operations.
Military Region 3
Forty members from MR 3SGU and forty from an MR 2 SGU were the first to undergo training at Phitscamp, near Phitsanulok in north central Thailand. The first raider team, call sign Chicken Fight, had a mission to attack an NVA base inside North Vietnam, near Rao Qua. The Raiders were infiltrated by Air America helicopters to a point on the border; the Team headed east and set up on a ridge overlooking the camp. Near dawn they hit the camp with mortars. With the camp destroyed, the Raiders moved back to Laos for extraction.
The Road Watch Teams transformed from the trail watching mission to other missions were more successful than Road Watch had ever been. The activities of Road Watch and Commando Raider teams can viewed as important in their own way, but, eventually the entire irregular effort in Laos was transformed away from small unit operations to battalion and regiment or Group Mobile (GM) operations. In many battles, such as an operation to protect the Royal City of Luang Prabang GM 32 from MR 3 was deployed and was able to chase the NVA out and secure the city.
To retake the Plain of Jars (MR 2) during Operation Kou Kiet, in 1969, one SGU battalion from MR 3 and one SGU battalion from MR 4, and two Airborne battalion from MR 3 were among the offensive task forces. It was the first big and most successful offensive made in the history of the war in Laos. Khao Insixiengmay, MR 3 SGU Deputy Battalion Commander was seriously wounded during a mission behind the enemy to cut off the Lines of Communication form North Vietnam to PDJ.
The defensive position in MR 2, that overlooked the City of Longtiang was defended by mostly the SGU Regiments from MR 3. All of the MR 3 SGU regiments were deployed in MR 2. In 1971, when NVA launched a big offensive to seize Longtiang, MR3 SGU regiment 30 lead by Case Officer Eli Chavez lost three- fourths of the 1,200-man unit. GM 31, led by John Hurd, also lost more than half of the GM strength to defend the Sky Line, a mountain ridge outside Longtiang.
To stop the advancement of the NVA in MR 3 after the failure of South Vietnam troops at Lamson 719, three MR3 SGU GMs, specifically, GM 30, GM 31, and GM 32 were the task force deployed. Almost all SGU GM from MR 3 took turns to defend and to launch the offensive operation in MR 4. SGU GM 32 and GM 33 were the vital offensive forces used to retake Khongsedone, a city in MR 4 that divided Savannakhet and Pakse provinces. A very big operation to retake the PDJ occurred in early 1972; eight SGU regiments took part. One SGU
regiment from MR 4 and two regiments from MR 3, GM 31 and GM 33, and one regiment from MR 1 formed the deploying task force. Besides being the element to retake Khongsedone, SGU GM 33 was the elite unit in the Kingdom of Laos used to retake Paksong in
late 1972. SGU GM 33 from MR 3 was the only unit to hold a defensive position when the North Vietnamese lunched a heavy attack after the cease fire time.
Five officers of SGU GM 33 received the Invitation Travel Order to receive training at the military training schools in the US. Fortunately, officers trained in the US assumed duties as battalion or GM commanders. To name a few, Noukhoune Bouthisane SGU GM 43 CO, Vanthong Phommarath SGU MR 4 CO, Houmphanh Boungansiri SGU BN 121 CO of MR1. The United States had two primary goals for its activities in Laos. First, the destruction of men and supplies headed for South Vietnam, along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Second, protect the Lao government from attack by North Vietnam and their indigenous allies, the Pathet Lao. These activities were additions to the primary war effort in Vietnam. Because some of these activities went beyond the Geneva Accords, the war in Laos had to be kept in the shadows. To insure this, the U.S. Ambassador was the overall commander of activities in Laos. William Sullivan was the Ambassador during the peak years of the war, 1964-1969.
During the war, Laos was divided in five military regions: MR 1 in the northwestern part of the country; MR 2 in the northeast; MR 3 in the upper panhandle; MR 4 in the lower panhandle; MR 5 area around Vientiane. Each region was commanded by general of the Royal Lao Army.
The Lao military received training from both the United States and France. Some officers spent time in French military schools like L’Ecole Speciale Militaire. Eventually the United States became the primary source of support and training for the noncommunist governments of Southeast Asia. During the 1960s through the early 1970s more than a thousand Lao officers and non-commissioned officers received training in a variety of training facilities.
Fort Knox, Kentucky is the home of the United States Armor School. There were 18 classes with 25-50 Lao students.
The classes were Special Leadership courses, like officer basic training. Students also learned the finer points of working with armor. Lackland Air Force Base, Texas was a site where officers and NCOs learned military terminology and map reading. Fort Benning, Georgia was where students participated in the Advanced Infantry Officers course as well as Airborne and Ranger tactics. Fort Holabird, MD is the Intelligence School.
At the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, officers learned to command large units like a brigade or division. At Fort Bragg, North Carolina soldiers learned Special Forces tactics. Fort Sill, Oklahoma was the site of artillery training. Additional training in other areas occurred at many other U.S. military bases.
Lao
Laos was not alone in its fight against the communist forces. Thailand supplied troops, training areas and bases from which the Americans operated such as Udorn Air Force Base, Nakhon Phanom.
Thailand also sent 400 of its elite special operations forces the Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit (PARU) to train Lao troops. The Lao and Thai languages are similar which made the training easier since there no need for interpreters.
The Thai also trained regular and irregular Lao troops in Airborne combat, heavy weapons, medical at military installations in Thailand.
Although South Vietnam had its own war to contend with, the Army of the Republic of Viet Nam, (ARVN), did take the fight to Laos. Most notably was the Lamson 719 attempt, in 1971, to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail near Tchepone, Laos. It was intended to be proof of the
ARVN ability to handle the war when the US withdrew as Vietnamization was already underway. No US advisors or troops were allowed to enter Laos. Ultimately, only US helicopters pilots entered Laos as they flew important missions in support of the ARVN troops. About 20,000 South Vietnamese troops took part in the operation from January to March 1971. The ARVN failed and many in Military Assistance Corps, (MACV), began to worry about ARVN’s failure. However, despite their failure in Lamson 719, the ARVN had become a viable force by 1973 but only if the US would have provided logistics and air support. The US congress reneged on the US promise of support and the ARVN was doomed.
Air Operations
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played an important role during the shadow war in Laos. Air America was an airline owned and operated by the CIA. During the war they flew
supplies and people throughout Laos. They flew several types of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, from large transports to typical Huey helicopters and small planes especially suited for landing on very small airstrips. These airstrips were called Lima Sites and many were little
more than paths carved in the mountainsides, allowing no room for error. While Air America (AAM) flew west of the Trail, it was not permitted to fly out to the Trail. The USAF helicopters flew the missions to the Trail. As the late Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Richard Helms observed: This was a major operation of the Agency. It took manpower; it took specially qualified manpower; it was dangerous; it was difficult.” The CIA, he contented, did “a super job.”
The paramilitary branch of the Central Intelligence Agency also provided advisors called case officers. The case officers worked closely with the Special Guerrilla Units by providing training in counterinsurgency and unconventional warfare. They helped plan operations and paid the SGU soldiers. Many case officers died during the war. In one incident a case officer named McNaulty was preparing to fly supplies out to Khao Insixiengmay’s troops in the field. He asked Somkhith Mounthapanya (S2), who, at the time, was assigned to the SGU Headquarters base camp at Nong Saphang, to accompany him. When they arrived the pilot, for some unknown reason, did not land in the designated LZ which was secured. Instead, he landed in an unsecured area nearby. As soon as McNaulty and Somkhith left the helicopter, they started to take AK-47 fire from three directions. McNaulty pushed Somkhith back into the chopper and then fell on top of Somkhith. They flew back to Thailand. By the time McNaulty arrived at the hospital, he had died from his wounds.
The Royal Lao Air Force was not large, with personnel of about 2,500. In the early days the United States was unable to provide much assistance to the RLAF due to restrictions in the1954 and 1962 accords. A plan was developed in late 1963 to have Lao pilots trained in Thailand and on April 1, 1964, Detachment 6, 1st Air Commando Wing (nicknamed Water Pump) arrived at Udorn with 41 personnel and four T-28 aircraft. The RLAF flew UH-34 helicopters and fighter planes which were converted trainers like the T-6 and the T-28. These planes, in the hands of a good pilot, would prove to be the turning points in several battles.
In March 1965 an officer’s training school came under attack at Dong Hene. The battle lasted for three days before Lt. Prayoon Khamvongsa ended it with a well-placed bomb that killed many enemy soldiers. Later that year, in November, T-28 pilot Lt. Touane dealt a fatal blow to enemy forces attacking Thakhek. Lt. Touane spotted a group of enemy soldiers in a stand of bamboo and dropped a 250-pound bomb on the group. The next day revealed forty-two dead, including most of the battalion’s staff. Anyone who worked with the RLAF, Ravens or case officers would have to call them the bravest, most fearless pilots in the history of air combat.
They flew more missions in combat per day than any US pilots would ever dream about. Even though the numbers of the Royal Lao Air Force were small, each pilot had qualifications to fly T-28, C-47 and C-123. Captain Saypha Thongsavanh is one of the few Royal Lao pilot who can fly many types of aircraft. Many Royal Lao pilots lost their lives during the war, including Lt. Chanthabouly Insixiengmay a son of Lao Prime Minister Leuam Insixiengmay. The U. S. Air Force, operating out of Royal Thai Air Force bases flew just about every type of plane in its inventory. RF-101 and RF-4C flew reconnaissance, F-105 and F-4 delivered bombs and engaged enemy MIG fighters, EB-66 conducted electronic warfare, and the B-52 delivered massive payloads of bombs. Nakhon Phanom was the home of the SAR “Jolly Green Giants”. If a pilot was shot down, the “Jollys” would team up with A-1 Sky raiders and attempt a rescue.
The U. S. Navy also operated in Laos. They operated from aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. One of the first Navy pilots shot down in Laos was Dieter Dengler who was flying an interdiction mission in an A-1 Sky raider, on February 1, 1966. After crashing he was taken captive by the Pathet Lao and held until his escape near the end of June, 1966. After 23 days on the run, he was rescued.
The Order of Battle of the Royal Lao Armed Forces shows the strength of regular and irregular forces and the strength of the opposing forces of the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao in the five military regions.
Khao Insixiengmay, the author of this summary, began fighting the communists in 1962 when he was 18 years old. He fought against the Chinese, the
North Vietnamese, and the indigenous Pathet Lao. One of his first combat experiences was against the North Vietnamese in Military Region 1. Khao was the executive officer of his company, which had joined another to relieve a third company. After three days of fighting, Khao went to report to his company commander who was sharing a defensive position with the second company’s commander. Both were dead and Khao found himself in command of the remnants of two companies.
Khao was captured and held for three months. During one the communist indoctrination session he found out that he and the other captives were going to be killed. As Khao and the others were out foraging for food, they made their escape and after seven days they finally made it to the Mekong River and friendly forces. One of the escapees was Lt Marid Maniraj who was a company Commander of the 55th Airborne BN.
Khao received training in both France and the United States. At Lackland Air Force Base he was introduced to map reading, military terminology, and English. At Fort Knox he was trained in tank warfare and underwent an officer’s basic training. He also attended the officer advanced course at Fort Benning.
During Khao’s time with GM 33, units which were based in Military Region 3, eventually saw action in every Military Region in Laos. The SGUs were units of soldiers trained in the same fashion as U.S. Special Forces. They were to harass the Ho Chi Minh Trial, destroying supplies, attacking NVA troops
and generally tough for the Vietnamese traveled and trail. The essentially
making life North soldiers who worked the SGUs were the Special Forces of the Royal Lao Army. As the Americans began to decrease their involvement in the war, the SGUs were transformed and merged into regular units. It was due to SGU GM 33’s exceptional record that the unit was transferred to the 7th Airborne Brigade and with a reduced strength, later named the 713th Airborne Battalion. In all Military Regions the SGUs were transferred to Royal Lao Armed Forces.
During Khao’s time with SGU MR 3 that he had other memorable experiences, like the death of case officer McNaulty mentioned above. He also led a couple of rescue missions for pilots and crews that had been shot down. In these incidents time was of the essence because the enemy was always ready to capture American pilots, so Khao would not wait for orders telling him to secure the crash site. Khao and his units rescued five people from a downed CH-53 helicopter in 1968.
Another rescue occurred in 1972 when an Air America C-123 was shot down on a supply run to Thai troops operating near Paksong in Military Region 4. After talking with the Thai commander, Khao and 80 volunteers set out to destroy the anti-aircraft guns that brought down the plane. After leaving a rear guard with the 81 mm mortars, Khao and the rest attacked the AA sites; however, since the guns couldn’t be carried out, they were destroyed in place. The NVA counter-attacked, but Khao and his men were protected by mortars that had been put in place prior to the attack. He and his units also took out several enemy tanks, 37-mm Anti-Aircraft guns, captured several heavy weapons and took close to two dozen NVA soldiers prisoner.
The war in Southeast Asia officially ended, for the United States, in January 1973 with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. It would become clear that the commitment of US air power came into question after 1973 when the NVA began to violate the terms of the 1973 peace treaty. The governments of Laos, South Vietnam, and Cambodia could no longer count on US military aid and the end was inevitable. For these three countries the war would continue until 1975. The Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia on April 17, 1975. North Vietnamese troops seized control of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Ironically, given Laos’s importance in the early days of the war, it was the last to fall to the communists. On December 3, 1975, the king abdicated his throne and the so-called Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established.
After the War
In all three countries, officials and soldiers from the former governments were treated badly. Many spent years in re-education camps, where they were essentially prisoners of war. The new regime in Laos told the military that they would have to attend seminars to learn how to be part of the new government. The seminars would be held in camps around the country and would last only a few months.
The camps were prisons and the ‘seminars’ went on for years. Life in the camps was extremely harsh; there was no medicine, no contact with the outside and very little food, usually a small amount of rice.
The food was obtained by subsistence farming and foraging. Both Khao Insixiengmay and Somkhith Mounthapanya spent more than a decade in the camps.
Concluding Comments
The war in Laos was commanded by the U.S. Ambassador in Vientiane, G. McMurtrie Godley. The ambassador delegated the responsibility for the tactical conduct of the war to the CIA station chief, B. Hugh Tovar. In conformity with Ambassador Unger's original organizational scheme, the primary CIA headquarters for the conduct of war was in Thailand. It was located a two-story block building adjacent to an aircraft parking ramp at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force base. The chain of command ran from Udorn to CIA regional headquarters in Laos at Pakse, Savannakhet, Lontiang, Luang Prabang, and Nam You.
Neutral Laos served as a buffer between pro-Western Southeast Asia and the aggressive intentions of North Vietnam and China. However, it was clear by 1971 that Lao neutrality would have to be achieved without a major commitment of U.S. Air power.
During the battle in Skyline MR 2, several GM units from southern Laos, considered to be the government's elite force were called upon to fight that battle. Most of the troops brought from southern Laos suffered casualties equaling one-half to two-thirds of their strength. Case officer Elias P. Chavez led Lao troops who fought in hand-to-hand combat. He received an Intelligence Star from CIA Director William Colby in February 1974.
The Royal Lao Government was almost exclusively concerned with developments in Military Region II because of the threat to the survival of the capital region. However, officials in Vientiane for too long ignored the fact that southern Laos was a strategic area in the communist plan to gain control of Indochina. Maintaining the seat of the government in Vientiane was considered essential, but the developments in south Laos were what really determined the outcome of the war for Cambodia and South Vietnam and, as events proved, for the future of Laos as well.
The war in south Laos was credited to MR III GM, particularly GM 32 and GM 33 for their efforts in MR IV according to Gen. Southchay Vongsavanh, the commander of the Military Region. Military III SGUs were often called upon to reinforce MR II units when they were sent to fight outside Military Region III. Whenever the North Vietnamese Army launched a big
drive, General Vang Pao, MR II commander, would call for reinforcements and MR III invariably responded and suffered heavy casualties. The reverse seldom happened; that is, it was rare when any MR II units were sent to fight outside of Military Region II. Besides reinforcing in region II, the principal mission of the SGUs in Region III was to operate along the Ho Chi Minh Trail according to Maj. Gen. Oudone Sananikone, Royal Lao Armed Forces Chief of
Staff). Since the creation of the Royal Lao Armed Forces, Laos never invaded any of its neighbors, but we had been repeatedly invaded by our neighbors.
The Royal Lao Armed Forces won and lost some battles during the War, which is normal when fighting a War, but Laos did not lose this war to the enemy.
Pictures
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures below say a lot about the Secret War in Laos and the brave soldiers who fought and died in that war.
Recognition
For many years Lao veterans were silent and all but forgotten.
In recent years, this has begun to change. Once again the trident of the Royal Lao Military is side by side with sword and lightning bolts of the U. S. Special Forces. The veterans have received many proclamations, resolutions and letters
from all levels of government recognizing, and honoring, their
sacrifices for the cause of freedom.
Dear Royal Lao Armed Forces & Special Guerilla Unit:
We are proud and honored to have the privilege to have partnered with the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerilla Unit (RLAF & SGU) since 2009 in advocating for the U.S. recognition and VA benefits for your service to the Kingdom of Laos and your sacrifice in the U.S. Secret War inside Laos during the Vietnam War era.
LANA’s 2010 and 2011 Laotian National Conferences, we have highlighted the men and women who were former RLAF & SGU veterans, providing a platform for their efforts to be heard and opportunity for them to educate the public about our history before 1975 and post 1975, why we are here in the U.S. There was only one military in the Kingdom of Laos, the Royal Lao Armed Forces. More than 70% of Laotian Americans are from former Kingdom of Laos RLAF & SGU veteran families.
The Laotian American National Alliance, Inc. (LANA) is the premier resource and advocacy organization in the United States who strives to cultivate the strengths and leadership of all Laotian Americans comprising of the diverse ethnic communities from Hmong, Iu-Mien, Khmu, Lahu, Lao, Tai Lue, Phu Tai, Tai Dam, Tai Phuan and other descendants from Laos who make up the dynamic, collective Laotian American community. The mission, of the Laotian American National Alliance, Inc. (LANA) as a national organization, is dedicated to advancing the social and economic well-being of Laotian Americans in the United States through civic participation and public policy advocacy. LANA is a full voting member of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) http://ncapaonline.org
Our goal as a national organization is to unite, educate, and advocate for social, health, economic, and educational equity for a stronger community. LANA fosters cultural preservation. LANA is one of three leading organizations who founded the San Francisco’s International Lao New Year Festival (ILNYF) www.LaoNewYear.com going on our 4th year (last Saturday of every April), Saturday, April 28, 2012.
We enjoyed attending and supporting your annual RLAF Anniversary celebrations. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with the RLAF & SGU until our shared mission of achieving recognition and VA benefits is achieved. As allies with the U.S., the multi-ethnic Lao SGU fought side by side with U.S. Forces during the Secret War in Laos and Vietnam War era. We hope the Laotian, AAPI, military
Communities, Dept of Veteran Affairs, and Congress will support our efforts and help our veterans before they pass on from Earth.
The Lao Veterans of America wish to recognize and honor all those who fought and died, side by side with the Royal Lao Military for cause of freedom:
The emblems displayed on this page do not indicate endorsement by any of these entities for the material presented above.
‘As soldiers we did not lose the war, our leaders lost the battle of words.'
Further Reading
There are too many websites to list that have information about the war in Laos.
The following books discuss the war in greater depth.
Briggs, Thomas Leo, Cash On Delivery CIA Special Operation During the Secret War in Laos Conboy, Kenneth, The Shadow War
Conboy, Kenneth, The War in Laos 1960-75
Greco, Frank, Running Recon: A Photo Journey with SOG Special Ops Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Leary, Williams M, The CIA and the "Secret" War in Laos: The Battle of Skyline Ridge, 1971-1972
Plaster, John, SOG: A Photo History of the Secret Wars
Robbins, Christopher, The Ravens: The Men Who Flew in America's Secret War in Laos Central Intelligence Agency
Sananikone, Maj. Gen. Oudone, The Royal Lao Army and U.S. Army Advice and Support
Hathorn, Reginald, Here There Are Tigers: The Secret Air War in Laos, 1968-69 Vongsavanh, Brig. Gen. Soutchay, RLG Military Operations and Activities in the Laotian
Panhandle
Warner, Roger, Shooting at the Moon: The Story of America's Clandestine War in Laos
The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance received from many individuals, including Thomas Briggs and LTC James K. Bruton, USAR Ret., Infantry Advisory and Special Forces Assignment in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.
This booklet was compiled to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice in time of war, 50,000 soldiers of the Kingdom of Laos, 2,000 South Vietnamese, 2,000 Kingdome of Thailand,
and 500 Americans especially Capt. Datsadachanh Insixiengmay, Col. Khai Kittavong SGU GM32 commander, killed 26 October 1972.
WHY PEOPLE ARE SIGNING May 2012
This petition was created by Dr. Scout to propose the President of the United States and congress to grant Veteran Administration Health Care and Benefits to Lao, Hmong and other ethnics, now veterans living in the United States. Fifty thousand Lao, Hmong, and other ethnics of the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerrilla Units were killed and more than 120 thousand suffered wounds as result of the US policy of sponsoring, training, and directing Lao troops under US Special Forces and CIA advisers to advance the defense of South Vietnam.
Jeff Arnold Saint Louis Park Minnesota
The USA and The Royal Lao Armed Forces fought a common enemy - Communists. The Lao were recruited by the USA, trained by the USA, equipped by the USA, saved many USA lives, they became good USA citizens, and they rightfully should be buried alongside USA soldiers. SGT Jeff Arnold, US Special Forces
Lisa B. Boungnasiri Saint Jose California
They sacrificed to fight the secret war side by side with the American troop in Vietnam War and they deserve to get the VA benefits like the American Veterans.
Sitthiphone Saysitthideth Camberra Alabama
To honor our heroes which they have contributed marvelous efforts and sacrificed their lives for protecting liberty, democracy, freedom and justice in Laos and in the region of Indochina as a whole.
Richard Daly Minnesota Won’t Forget Minnesota
In my research as Executive Director of Minnesota Won't Forget POW/MIA I have found that are government has not done the right thing about our POWs left behind or in properly acknowledging the honorable service of the brave men our government secretly recruited.
Reginaldo Jaimes Saint Jose California
These veterans deserve their rights to benefits.
Khamphoui Singvongsa Chicago Illinois
All soldiers of the Royal Lao Armed forces who fought alongside with the USA soldiers during the secret war in Laos, have sacrificed their lives to fight for freedom, democracy, and justice for the Lao people should deserve to be recognized by USA as legitimate veterans and deserve to have equal access to all USA Veteran healthcare benefits and burial rights. Mr. Khamphoui Singvongsa, board chairman, Laotian American National Alliance at
Chanida Potter Crystal Minnesota
I'm signing in support of all the Lao and Hmong veterans who work tirelessly for their rights and access to veterans’ benefits.
My father was also a Lao Royal Army officer/US ally and he struggles on a daily basis with access to affordable healthcare for his chronic conditions.
These veterans are well beyond retirement age and are still being denied equal and fair benefits and acknowledgement for their significant roles. The time is unjustifiably overdue.
Thank you Mr. Khao, fellow comrades, and community leaders; for your continuous advocacy and leadership. I support this letter and urge others to do the same!
Sysay chanthavixay Saint Jose California
For human rights and democracy, people help people
Bounluk Thongsavath Phoenix Arizona We need to honor and recognize all our veterans from the Vietnam War.
Niphaphone Souvanasy Minneapolis Minnesota
We would like our Lao Veterans to gain benefit and to be treated as US Veterans. Thank you!
Douangphoutha Khamphiou France
L'armée nationale lao et les forces spéciales lao ont combattu aux côtés des américains contre les communistes au même titre que les armées des autres nations de l'Asie du Sud Est. Si les combattants des armées des autres nations bénéficient des avantages sociaux de la part du gouvernement des USA, pourquoi pas l'ANL et les SGU lao ? Que la guerre soit secrète ou pas, les combattants lao se sont engagés ouvertement à la lutte contre les mêmes ennemis pour les intérêts des USA et leurs alliés.
Khamphiou
Janice Carroll Brooklyn Center Minnesota
The men and women of the Royal Lao Armed Forces deserve benefits for the sacrifices they made during the Vietnam War. It is the right thing for the US Government to do.
Keith Larson Two Harbors Minnesota
Us Army Special Forces MACVSOG CCN recon All these brave soldiers are asking is what the have earned. Wake up politicians!
Houmpheng Phongsavath Minneapolis Minnesota
All men and women who serve and sacrificed their life to protected freedom they should be known.
SengFo Chao Gresham Oregan
The Laotian Multi-Ethnic Veterans, including Mien or Yao were recruited and trained by the U.S. They fought alongside the U.S and saved American lives. Thus, they deserve the health insurance and other benefits. Thank you very much.
Danny Khounthavong
For my grandfather who fought in the war and doesn't get the same benefits as others who fought in the war.
SSG Stephen (Tim) Kirk Minnesota
The RLAF and SGU were responsible for saving the lives of thousands of American soldiers. As an American Special Forces soldier who fought in Laos alongside these men, and who saw many of them die to save our lives, I believe they deserve US veterans’ rights.
Steve Wedeking Hugo Minnesota
If Tim Kirk says sign it, sign it.
Danny Meksavanh San Jose California
To give recognition to all that has made sacrifices for our country whether their role in the war was a secret or not. They deserve the same benefits.
Houmphanh Bougnasiri San Jose California
I was a former battalion commander of the Royal Lao Special Guerrilla Unit who fought in that secret war from 1961 to 1975 in the northern and southern part of Laos. I was trained by the US Special Forces in Fort Bragg; NC and I was working with the US Special Forces case officers in Laos. I deserve to get the VA benefit like US veterans.
Michael Caggiano
They fought with us and deserved the same medical benefits as our service members
Bill Laurie Mesa Arizona
Members of the RLAF kept three NVA divisions tied up in Laos, preventing them from deployment to South Viet Nam where they would have killed more Americans and South Vietnamese. RLAF elements also rescued U.S. pilots shot down over Laos. Their only mistake was believing the U.S. government would be a more loyal ally than Russia was to Hanoi. We were all united in common effort to stop Hanoi's militant expansionism and wars of conquest. There remains a moral if not legal obligation to aid RLAF allies for their noble and courageous service.
Michael Lauth San Jose California
Houmphan Bourgnasiri works with me at iXsystems and I appreciate the sacrifice he and his fellow military members made in the defense of our country and theirs.
Kosom Senlouangrat
I believe in fairness, it should be treated as such, They deserve the same benefits. They are our heroes too. Their sacrifice is as honorable as any Vietnam Vet. and should be honored as one. This hits to close to home and I would want them to be honored as one.
Jennifer Ward Burlington North Colorina
Anyone who is willing to put others before themselves for the greater good of their country should be looked at and treated as a hero. I admire all our warriors from the Vietnam War. ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL
Steven Anderson Hugo Minnesota
They were trained by the U.S.- Uniformed by the U.S --Many we under the command and control of U.S troops or advisers. Tens of thousands died or wounded interdicting the Communists and undoubtedly saved thousands of American Lives in the process.
We can start by e-mailing your congressman telling them to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 3192-- Eligibility for internment in National Cemeteries..
Steven Anderson, Friend of the Lao
Kham Phiou Manivanh Moreno Valley California
As a Fighter Bomber, Gunship pilot and Squadron Commander who was trained by USAF Air Commando with 3000+ on T-28 and 1200+ on AC-47 combat sorties which direct and support by CIA, I believed that would QUALIFIED for the same entitle benefit as US Veterans.
Christine Goucher
It’s the right thing to do!!!
Bounkhong Arounsavat Australia
Please recognize all of our veterans from the Vietnam War.
David Lopez Madison Wisconsin
As a former Captain in the USAF, I am thankful for the contributions of these fine soldiers. I proudly join in their righteous effort to achieve the well-deserved recognition this country owes them. Thank you for your service.
Sourichanh Chanthyasa Washington DC
The Kingdom of Laos' military: Royal Lao Armed Forces (RLAF) was paid by the US Congress and the multi-ethnic Special Guerilla Units (SGU) was directly paid by the US CIA; hence the US Secret War in Laos. I am proud to be the son of a former RLAF military 18 year veteran who worked in the Supreme Headquarter Intelligence Unit in Vientiane. More than 70% of Laotian Americans refugees came to the US from a military family. The RLAF & SGU sacrificed much for democracy & the ideals of freedom, protected & saved many American soldiers: and many paid the ultimate sacrificed for their Motherland. The roughly 25.000 or so surviving former RLAF & SGU veterans should be officially & publicly recognized and granted US veteran status to receive VA benefits.
Edward Komac Maplewood Minnesota
I spent three tours in Vietnam and did operations in Laos in 1967 and 1971
Mark Carroll Brooklyn Center Minnesota
Mr. Khao is a friend of mine. Over the years I've gotten to know many Lao veterans and they are honorable men who deserve recognition for their service.
Major Robert D. Cole (USA-Ret) Pensacola Florida
As a Vietnam Veteran, I know the Lao and Hmong, among others, were brave, loyal and fierce fighters. They were largely left behind; and suffered greatly for their service on behalf of the United States. For those who managed to come to America and become citizens, the least we can do is recognize their contributions as combatants for us and grant them the benefits they seek.
Johne Chanthabane Connecticut
My father was one of those soldiers recruited, he had had a very tough life after the war. With very little recognition for his service, he has suffered a lot of traumatic stress from what he has witnessed in the war. Please don't allow our veterans to be forgotten. Even if they were recruited in secret what they did for America shouldn't be. Thank you everyone!
Latsamy Bounthavy Milpitas California
Vietnam Veterans deserve to get VA benefits.
Jerry Smith Cedarburg Wisconsin
The men and women of the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerrilla Units served and fought courageously with the US Secret Army in Laos. Their sacrifice and valor should be honored by recognition as veterans deserving VA benefits. JWSmith, 5th Special Forces Group, RVN 1966-67
Thomas Briggs Rockville Marriland
I was assigned to work for the USG in Laos for two years (1970-72) and witnessed, first hand, the efforts of Lao citizens to fight against the North Vietnamese on behalf of the US Government.
Vang Xiong X.Toyed Brooklyn Park Minnesota
I respect and honor our veterans for their services and sacrifice as national heroes
Chansmouth Sisouvanh
c'est avec un grand honneur d'avoir servi dans la FARL, ( force armée du royaume du Laos ) .
Manysavanh Phothisane Brooklyn Park Minnesota
They risked their lives for the same reason American troops did--- to attain justice and freedom for their families. They deserve the utmost respect, honor and benefits alike for their efforts.
Richard Gabatino Minneapolis Minnesota
The Lao Armed Forces fought side-by-side with U.S. forces in SE Asia, shared the same dangers and hardships and now, after these many years, they need to receive similar benefits and acknowledgement. This is long overdue.
Chris Porter
This is simply the RIGHT thing to do.
NOE VONGNALATH
I believe all the Lao veterans and their families should be available for health insurance and veterans benefits because of their efforts and they had sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.
AM Hall
Whoever served needs to be recognized.
Edward Pfeifer
us army special forces retired.
Bounthanh Latsady
To honor all Royal Lao Veterans who fought under the US Special Forces comment and save many American lives in the Vietnam War.
DANIEL ELISEUSON
To honor heroes and their families that sacrificed so much-----and saved our butts!
Phaithoun Phothisane Brooklyn Center Minnesota
I picked democracy and fought a long side American. After the war ended, I was captured by the communists. Spend 15 yrs. in Communist's "re-educational camp". Filipino veterans got VA benefits for their role in the WWII. I along with thousands of Lao Veterans risk our lives fighting for the US military in the Vietnam war. We were recruited and trained by the US military, did our missions and role as US military. So it's only fair that we too should be granted VA benefits.
Capt. Phaithoun Phothisane, SGU Commando. Special Forces MR. 3.
March Phonphiboun Minneapolis Minnesoata
My Dad needs help.
VongDeuane Vongmany Vasilia California
We fought side by side with the American troop in Vietnam War. We must not be forgotten by American public. Friends should help friends.
Norman Cottrell N Terre Haute IN
It is fair and the right thing to do
Thuy Smith Chippewa Fall Wisconson
They were our allies during the war, we need to continue to be their ally today and support them in this bill. Thank you to all the Laos as well as Hmong veterans who sacrificed much. Proud Daughter of an American Vietnam Veteran- Thuy Smith
James Powell Aubum California
A kind hardworking man a dedicated family man, a dedicated employee and represents the values of our democracy and fought loyally for them.
Gary Honold Clarkville Tennesse
These soldiers fought alongside, and in most cases, in place of U.S. soldiers. Now, as U.S. Citizens, they deserve the same benefits.
Calvin Wierma Minneapolis Minnesota
For my friend's faher.
Mychal Mitchell Evansion Illinois
My father-in-law and two uncles are veterans and were committed to the camps.
Mee Vang Minneapolis Minnesota
My dad is a Veteran; he was one of the many Hmong soldiers who fought and risked their lives in the Secret War, helping rescue fallen pilots and such. As far as I know, he doesn't receive any benefits like other Veterans I know of. I hope that by signing this petition, my father will be equally recognized as one, just like many others.
Judith Craig Rock Hill South Cororina
My brother-in-law and lots of friends fought in this war.
Soudavone Khamvongsa Minneapolis Minnesota
Veterans deserve the right to health care, and that is a human right that no one should be denied.
Aaron Manithep San Jose California
I am Laotian.
ATHAKHANH MAnousack Marietta Georgia
To honor our heroes and who protect freedom fight communists YES they are deserve get the benefits like the American veterans.
Bounthavy Nonginthirath South St. Paul Minnesoat
To honor all the veterans who serve in the Lao Royal Arm forces who fought in the Vietnam War with the US, and one of them is my beloved R-I-P dad so all of them that still alive can get the health insurance, and the other benefits that they deserve.
LEE SOUTHIVONGNORATH Bloomington Minnesota
To honor my dad the General and the rest of the veterans that worked for the CIA for the efforts and sacrificed for freedom and justice in Laos.
Jerry Smith Cedarburg Wisconsin
The men and women of the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerrilla Units served and fought courageously with the US Secret Army in Laos. Their sacrifice and valor should be honored by recognition as veterans deserving VA benefits. JW Smith, 5th Special Forces Group, RVN 1966-67
Eli Chavez Albuquerque NM
Dear Colonel: Thank you, my brother, for standing up for the Low Land Lao for their courageous actions through Laos during the Secret War in Laos. SGU GM 30 which I controlled was a kick ass Lao Land Lao outfit that destroyed the North Vietnamese on the top of Skyline Ridge at Longtieng.
Supermex, Case Officer MR 3 SGU 1970-72
Jeremy Neumann Onalaska Wisconsin
My father Albert Jerry Neumann US Special Forces, served a long side the Royal Lao Armed Forces for two years during the Secret War. I have had many opportunities to meet and have dinner with these soldiers, share some of their culture as well, great groups of soldiers and citizens. We need to provide some benefits as us.
Phet Gaudet Petal Missouri
To honor my father MG Khambang Sibounheuang, he was a member of the Royal Lao Army.
Bush Cze Boualy San Diego California
Colonel Khao Insixiengmay President of Lao American Veterans. I would like to let you know that I am supporting you for the Lao American veterans. I worked with CIA since 1962 in Laos. I worked for the combat intelligence control Vietnam and Chinese Embassy in Vientiane Capital City of Laos. And also, since 1965-1969 I was chief staff combat intelligence worked for CIA anti Ho Chi Minh Trail South of Laos at Attopeu Province. From 1969-1972 I was chief staff combat intelligence for SGU at ban Houei Nam Poo, Kasi City Vientiane province.
John Hurd Hungry Horse Montana
My name is John Hurd and I was a Case officer in Laos for two years from 70 to 72.I was assigned to MR3 and worked with Road Watch and Riverine Teams for six months on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In January of 71, I was assigned to GM 31, a Group Mobile consisting of four battalions. In the fall of 1971, GM 31 retook Hill 1978 which was Northeast of Long Chien. GM 31 officers and men performed as well as any military unit under like circumstances. The unit was blessed with great leadershipthat inckuded Sewat, who was killed at Samthong, Khao always lead the front, Chommany who never refused a mission. GM 31, you are all honorable soldiers that did your duty.
Author
Khao Insixiengmay, Special Guerrilla Unit 33, Regimental Commander, Military Region 3
& Mark Carroll, Former Board Chair of Lao Advancement OrganizaNon of America
Note: This summary is not meant to be an exhaustive study of the war in Laos. It intends to highlight selected components involved in the complex mosaic and to honor those who fought side by side with the Royal Lao Military.
At the close of World War Two, France began efforts to re-establish its control over its colonies in Indochina. An indication of the problems ahead occurred on September 2, 1945, when Ho Chi Minh declared independence of Vietnam. For the next nine years France fought, with varying degrees of intensity, the communist-led Viet Minh independence movement.
During the early 1950s, the United States grew increasingly concerned about the communist military advances in Indochina and Laos in particular. In a statement on March 17, 1953, in response to an incursion by Viet Minh forces into Laos, the U.S. State Department said, “The United States will continue to provide and will study ways and means of making more effective its assistance to the Associated States of Indochina and to France in the struggle to destroy Communist aggression in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.”
One month later the U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, at a news conference on May 9, 1953, responded to information about a Viet Minh offensive toward Luang Prabang on April 12th. The Secretary explained that the United States had “issued a statement of support and sympathy” after the Government of Laos appealed to the free world to condemn the aggression. The United States agreed to send cargo planes to the area to assist in moving supplies. Less than a year later the French had established their base at Dien Bien Phu, a small town near the Laos- Vietnam border, to block a Viet Minh incursion into Laos.
The decisive battle occurred in the spring of 1954. Historically, Dien Bien Phu had been part of Laos and named Muang Thaeng. The French established a primary base in a valley with rings of smaller, supporting bases. One goal of the base was to stop the flow of war materiel from Vietnam into Laos. The final battle began at the end of March 1954 and over the next month the Vietminh overran French support bases, one by one, until only the primary base remained. By May 7th the last stronghold fell base, forcing the French to surrender. This loss contributed to negotiations ending French rule over Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Nearly simultaneous with the fall of Dien Bien Phu, negotiators assembled in Geneva to work out a peace plan for Indochina. For Laos, this came in the form of an agreement titled: Indochina - Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Laos, July 20, 1954. This agreement provided the framework for ending hostilities and maintaining peace in the future. Crucial to this was Chapter 2, Article 6, which said, “With effect from the proclamation of the cease-fire the introduction into Laos of any reinforcements of troops or military personnel from outside Lao territory is prohibited.” The French were allowed to leave 1500 personnel to serve as trainers to the Lao military. An international commission was established to have, “...control and supervision over the application of the provisions of the agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Laos.” Despite these restrictions, the military situation continued to deteriorate for the royal Lao government during the late 1950s and early 1960s as result of attacks by Communist Pathet Lao supported by Hanoi.
Lao Stability Threatened
Both Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy believed that Laos would play a major role in stopping the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. In a May, 1953 letter to Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Eisenhower wrote of his concern for the situation in Korea and believed that similar concern be given to Southeast Asia, “...with especial emphasis on the new invasion in Laos...” The Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO), an Asian collective security organization formed in 1954 and intended to mirror NATO, prescribed military protection for Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam (though the Geneva Agreements prohibited the latter three nations from membership).
Two years later, in June 1955 Eisenhower again wrote to Churchill stating his concern that the communists were getting stronger in the areas of Laos they controlled and that “we face the possibility of ultimately losing that entire area to the communists, just as we lost North Vietnam.”
Eisenhower received information in December 1960 about combined attacks in Laos by the Viet Minh and the Pathet Lao and supplied by airdrops by the Soviet Union. Eisenhower believing it might be necessary to deploy military units said, “If war is necessary, we will do so with our allies or unilaterally, since we cannot sit by and see Laos go down without a fight.” Then, two weeks before leaving office, Eisenhower commented to Prime Minister Nehru about the strategic importance of Laos because “it lies in the path of Communist expansionist intent in Asia, and is perhaps the most vulnerable spot on the entire periphery of the communist-controlled Eurasian land mass.”
In September 1961, President Kennedy delivered a speech at the United Nations in which he discussed world trouble spots, including Laos. He believed that the entire world community must view the “threat to Lao peace and freedom is indivisible from all other threats to their own.”
US Assistance Increases: White Star and Project 404
With concern about the future of Southeast Asia, and Laos in particular, Eisenhower, and later Kennedy, took actions to help the Lao government and the Royal Lao Army. One of the first steps to occur, in December 1955, was the establishment of the Program Evaluation Office
(PEO).
Using the cover of a civilian aid mission, PEO soon replaced France in the military
mission.
PEO was filled partially by Special Forces soldiers who were removed from active-duty status and thus transformed into civilians, (a proccess called ‘sheep dipping’) to comply with the Geneva Agreement ending the French-Indochina War. This allowed them to work in Laos without jeopardy of violating the peace agreement.
After the arrival of four hundred members of the 77th Special Forces Group (later renamed 7th
Special Forces Group) starting to arrive in July 1959. The PEO was re-designated Military Assistance and Advisory Group Laos, or MAAG Laos.
The Special Forces were organized into Field Training Teams (FTTs) to train the Lao military in military tactics and unconventional warfare. The FTTs were later renamed White Star Mobile Training Teams, with the code name ‘HOTFOOT’. Some of the FTT personnel were among the earliest casualties of the war.
Captain Walter Moon commanded the four-man FTT 59 in early 1961, which advised the 6th Bataillon d'infanterie (Lao). In April of that year, Moon, his team, and the 6th Bataillon d'infanterie (Lao) were conducting a mission near Phou Tesao, when they came under attack. The
Pathet Lao surrounded and soon overran Moon’s position, capturing him and Sgt. O. Roger Ballenger. Moon was eventually executed, and Ballenger was released in 1962. Under the terms of the Peace Accords, the United States withdrew in
October 1962.
Another covert program, in Laos, was Project 404. Composed of roughly 180 Air Force, Army and civilian personnel who were assigned to Thailand, but worked in Laos. They worked at Royal Lao Air Force bases and regional military headquarters. They provided communication and intelligence support for operations by assisting in targeting and coordination of regional air
support. In addition, the Project 404, advisors also had the role of legitimate trainers to the Lao military.
.
Use of Specialized Units
The Ho Chi Minh Trail was not one simple trail, but a series of interconnected paths. The Trail was the primary land route for sending the men and supplies in advance and placing the North Vietnamese in position for combat operations. The importance of Laos in the war effort of North Vietnam was the fact that the Trail was the only route to send men and supplies south for use in the war in South Vietnam. Key to stopping this was the massive bombing of the Trail by land and sea-based USAF and USN aircraft. The sea logistical lines to land men and supplies along the coast of SVN was closed by the US Navy. The massive bombing of the Trail did not stop the flow of men and supplies nor cut the trail. The Trail entered Laos north of the DMZ through Mu Gia Pass and other gaps in the Annamite Mountains that divided Laos and Vietnam. The bulk of the Trail in Laos was in Military.
Region 3 (around Savannakhet Province) and Military Region 4 at the southern tip of the panhandle. The trail branched off in several spots to enter South Vietnam.
. Road-watch Teams were deployed on the Trail. The teams were part of the Special Guerrilla Units (SGU), well trained and highly motivated soldiers of the Royal Lao Army.
The teams would watch for enemy movement along the trail, making note of how many and what kind of vehicles passed by numbers of enemy soldiers passing by and caches of enemy supplies. This information was passed to a Lao officer flying as a Forward Air Controller (FAC), CONVEY, NAIL flying from Thailand and SVN to coordinate Trail bombing.
The Lao FACs flew with American Pilots who were volunteers with experience in Vietnam. Nicknamed ‘The Ravens’, they flew low and slow, in O-1, T28, and OV-10, looking for targets. Usually, these FAC communicated with the ground troops to locate the targets. FACs would call for air strike on the target(s) by Royal Lao Air Force’s T-28, F-4 Phantoms, F105 Thunder chiefs or any other available U.S. aircraft. The person assigned to working with the ground troops was called a Forward Air Guide (FAG). FAGs received training in Udorn, Thailand by US Air Force personnel to learn how to communicate with the Raven pilots, who were Americans. Wearing civilian clothes, the Raven pilots were assigned to the Water pump operation at Udorn, Thailand. They were stationed at five bases in Laos, from Louang Prabang in the north to Pakse in the south. They operated under the direction of the American ambassador in Vientiane and provided valuable target information for the Lao and US Air Forces.
The Commando Raider Teams (CRTs) got their start because of the success of the road watch teams. In September 1969, a road watch team in the Mu Gia Pass area was moving to an extraction point, when they came across 52 trucks with only five guards. They were pulled out, debriefed, then, because they knew the area, were sent back in to destroy the trucks. They succeeded in destroying the trucks. The Commando Raider teams were to be better trained and given the best equipment. They were to be called in for the most difficult activities, including prisoner snatches, bomb damage assessment, and cross-border operations.
Military Region 3
Forty members from MR 3SGU and forty from an MR 2 SGU were the first to undergo training at Phitscamp, near Phitsanulok in north central Thailand. The first raider team, call sign Chicken Fight, had a mission to attack an NVA base inside North Vietnam, near Rao Qua. The Raiders were infiltrated by Air America helicopters to a point on the border; the Team headed east and set up on a ridge overlooking the camp. Near dawn they hit the camp with mortars. With the camp destroyed, the Raiders moved back to Laos for extraction.
The Road Watch Teams transformed from the trail watching mission to other missions were more successful than Road Watch had ever been. The activities of Road Watch and Commando Raider teams can viewed as important in their own way, but, eventually the entire irregular effort in Laos was transformed away from small unit operations to battalion and regiment or Group Mobile (GM) operations. In many battles, such as an operation to protect the Royal City of Luang Prabang GM 32 from MR 3 was deployed and was able to chase the NVA out and secure the city.
To retake the Plain of Jars (MR 2) during Operation Kou Kiet, in 1969, one SGU battalion from MR 3 and one SGU battalion from MR 4, and two Airborne battalion from MR 3 were among the offensive task forces. It was the first big and most successful offensive made in the history of the war in Laos. Khao Insixiengmay, MR 3 SGU Deputy Battalion Commander was seriously wounded during a mission behind the enemy to cut off the Lines of Communication form North Vietnam to PDJ.
The defensive position in MR 2, that overlooked the City of Longtiang was defended by mostly the SGU Regiments from MR 3. All of the MR 3 SGU regiments were deployed in MR 2. In 1971, when NVA launched a big offensive to seize Longtiang, MR3 SGU regiment 30 lead by Case Officer Eli Chavez lost three- fourths of the 1,200-man unit. GM 31, led by John Hurd, also lost more than half of the GM strength to defend the Sky Line, a mountain ridge outside Longtiang.
To stop the advancement of the NVA in MR 3 after the failure of South Vietnam troops at Lamson 719, three MR3 SGU GMs, specifically, GM 30, GM 31, and GM 32 were the task force deployed. Almost all SGU GM from MR 3 took turns to defend and to launch the offensive operation in MR 4. SGU GM 32 and GM 33 were the vital offensive forces used to retake Khongsedone, a city in MR 4 that divided Savannakhet and Pakse provinces. A very big operation to retake the PDJ occurred in early 1972; eight SGU regiments took part. One SGU
regiment from MR 4 and two regiments from MR 3, GM 31 and GM 33, and one regiment from MR 1 formed the deploying task force. Besides being the element to retake Khongsedone, SGU GM 33 was the elite unit in the Kingdom of Laos used to retake Paksong in
late 1972. SGU GM 33 from MR 3 was the only unit to hold a defensive position when the North Vietnamese lunched a heavy attack after the cease fire time.
Five officers of SGU GM 33 received the Invitation Travel Order to receive training at the military training schools in the US. Fortunately, officers trained in the US assumed duties as battalion or GM commanders. To name a few, Noukhoune Bouthisane SGU GM 43 CO, Vanthong Phommarath SGU MR 4 CO, Houmphanh Boungansiri SGU BN 121 CO of MR1. The United States had two primary goals for its activities in Laos. First, the destruction of men and supplies headed for South Vietnam, along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Second, protect the Lao government from attack by North Vietnam and their indigenous allies, the Pathet Lao. These activities were additions to the primary war effort in Vietnam. Because some of these activities went beyond the Geneva Accords, the war in Laos had to be kept in the shadows. To insure this, the U.S. Ambassador was the overall commander of activities in Laos. William Sullivan was the Ambassador during the peak years of the war, 1964-1969.
During the war, Laos was divided in five military regions: MR 1 in the northwestern part of the country; MR 2 in the northeast; MR 3 in the upper panhandle; MR 4 in the lower panhandle; MR 5 area around Vientiane. Each region was commanded by general of the Royal Lao Army.
The Lao military received training from both the United States and France. Some officers spent time in French military schools like L’Ecole Speciale Militaire. Eventually the United States became the primary source of support and training for the noncommunist governments of Southeast Asia. During the 1960s through the early 1970s more than a thousand Lao officers and non-commissioned officers received training in a variety of training facilities.
Fort Knox, Kentucky is the home of the United States Armor School. There were 18 classes with 25-50 Lao students.
The classes were Special Leadership courses, like officer basic training. Students also learned the finer points of working with armor. Lackland Air Force Base, Texas was a site where officers and NCOs learned military terminology and map reading. Fort Benning, Georgia was where students participated in the Advanced Infantry Officers course as well as Airborne and Ranger tactics. Fort Holabird, MD is the Intelligence School.
At the US Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, officers learned to command large units like a brigade or division. At Fort Bragg, North Carolina soldiers learned Special Forces tactics. Fort Sill, Oklahoma was the site of artillery training. Additional training in other areas occurred at many other U.S. military bases.
Lao
Laos was not alone in its fight against the communist forces. Thailand supplied troops, training areas and bases from which the Americans operated such as Udorn Air Force Base, Nakhon Phanom.
Thailand also sent 400 of its elite special operations forces the Police Aerial Reinforcement Unit (PARU) to train Lao troops. The Lao and Thai languages are similar which made the training easier since there no need for interpreters.
The Thai also trained regular and irregular Lao troops in Airborne combat, heavy weapons, medical at military installations in Thailand.
Although South Vietnam had its own war to contend with, the Army of the Republic of Viet Nam, (ARVN), did take the fight to Laos. Most notably was the Lamson 719 attempt, in 1971, to cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail near Tchepone, Laos. It was intended to be proof of the
ARVN ability to handle the war when the US withdrew as Vietnamization was already underway. No US advisors or troops were allowed to enter Laos. Ultimately, only US helicopters pilots entered Laos as they flew important missions in support of the ARVN troops. About 20,000 South Vietnamese troops took part in the operation from January to March 1971. The ARVN failed and many in Military Assistance Corps, (MACV), began to worry about ARVN’s failure. However, despite their failure in Lamson 719, the ARVN had become a viable force by 1973 but only if the US would have provided logistics and air support. The US congress reneged on the US promise of support and the ARVN was doomed.
Air Operations
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played an important role during the shadow war in Laos. Air America was an airline owned and operated by the CIA. During the war they flew
supplies and people throughout Laos. They flew several types of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, from large transports to typical Huey helicopters and small planes especially suited for landing on very small airstrips. These airstrips were called Lima Sites and many were little
more than paths carved in the mountainsides, allowing no room for error. While Air America (AAM) flew west of the Trail, it was not permitted to fly out to the Trail. The USAF helicopters flew the missions to the Trail. As the late Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Richard Helms observed: This was a major operation of the Agency. It took manpower; it took specially qualified manpower; it was dangerous; it was difficult.” The CIA, he contented, did “a super job.”
The paramilitary branch of the Central Intelligence Agency also provided advisors called case officers. The case officers worked closely with the Special Guerrilla Units by providing training in counterinsurgency and unconventional warfare. They helped plan operations and paid the SGU soldiers. Many case officers died during the war. In one incident a case officer named McNaulty was preparing to fly supplies out to Khao Insixiengmay’s troops in the field. He asked Somkhith Mounthapanya (S2), who, at the time, was assigned to the SGU Headquarters base camp at Nong Saphang, to accompany him. When they arrived the pilot, for some unknown reason, did not land in the designated LZ which was secured. Instead, he landed in an unsecured area nearby. As soon as McNaulty and Somkhith left the helicopter, they started to take AK-47 fire from three directions. McNaulty pushed Somkhith back into the chopper and then fell on top of Somkhith. They flew back to Thailand. By the time McNaulty arrived at the hospital, he had died from his wounds.
The Royal Lao Air Force was not large, with personnel of about 2,500. In the early days the United States was unable to provide much assistance to the RLAF due to restrictions in the1954 and 1962 accords. A plan was developed in late 1963 to have Lao pilots trained in Thailand and on April 1, 1964, Detachment 6, 1st Air Commando Wing (nicknamed Water Pump) arrived at Udorn with 41 personnel and four T-28 aircraft. The RLAF flew UH-34 helicopters and fighter planes which were converted trainers like the T-6 and the T-28. These planes, in the hands of a good pilot, would prove to be the turning points in several battles.
In March 1965 an officer’s training school came under attack at Dong Hene. The battle lasted for three days before Lt. Prayoon Khamvongsa ended it with a well-placed bomb that killed many enemy soldiers. Later that year, in November, T-28 pilot Lt. Touane dealt a fatal blow to enemy forces attacking Thakhek. Lt. Touane spotted a group of enemy soldiers in a stand of bamboo and dropped a 250-pound bomb on the group. The next day revealed forty-two dead, including most of the battalion’s staff. Anyone who worked with the RLAF, Ravens or case officers would have to call them the bravest, most fearless pilots in the history of air combat.
They flew more missions in combat per day than any US pilots would ever dream about. Even though the numbers of the Royal Lao Air Force were small, each pilot had qualifications to fly T-28, C-47 and C-123. Captain Saypha Thongsavanh is one of the few Royal Lao pilot who can fly many types of aircraft. Many Royal Lao pilots lost their lives during the war, including Lt. Chanthabouly Insixiengmay a son of Lao Prime Minister Leuam Insixiengmay. The U. S. Air Force, operating out of Royal Thai Air Force bases flew just about every type of plane in its inventory. RF-101 and RF-4C flew reconnaissance, F-105 and F-4 delivered bombs and engaged enemy MIG fighters, EB-66 conducted electronic warfare, and the B-52 delivered massive payloads of bombs. Nakhon Phanom was the home of the SAR “Jolly Green Giants”. If a pilot was shot down, the “Jollys” would team up with A-1 Sky raiders and attempt a rescue.
The U. S. Navy also operated in Laos. They operated from aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. One of the first Navy pilots shot down in Laos was Dieter Dengler who was flying an interdiction mission in an A-1 Sky raider, on February 1, 1966. After crashing he was taken captive by the Pathet Lao and held until his escape near the end of June, 1966. After 23 days on the run, he was rescued.
The Order of Battle of the Royal Lao Armed Forces shows the strength of regular and irregular forces and the strength of the opposing forces of the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao in the five military regions.
Khao Insixiengmay, the author of this summary, began fighting the communists in 1962 when he was 18 years old. He fought against the Chinese, the
North Vietnamese, and the indigenous Pathet Lao. One of his first combat experiences was against the North Vietnamese in Military Region 1. Khao was the executive officer of his company, which had joined another to relieve a third company. After three days of fighting, Khao went to report to his company commander who was sharing a defensive position with the second company’s commander. Both were dead and Khao found himself in command of the remnants of two companies.
Khao was captured and held for three months. During one the communist indoctrination session he found out that he and the other captives were going to be killed. As Khao and the others were out foraging for food, they made their escape and after seven days they finally made it to the Mekong River and friendly forces. One of the escapees was Lt Marid Maniraj who was a company Commander of the 55th Airborne BN.
Khao received training in both France and the United States. At Lackland Air Force Base he was introduced to map reading, military terminology, and English. At Fort Knox he was trained in tank warfare and underwent an officer’s basic training. He also attended the officer advanced course at Fort Benning.
During Khao’s time with GM 33, units which were based in Military Region 3, eventually saw action in every Military Region in Laos. The SGUs were units of soldiers trained in the same fashion as U.S. Special Forces. They were to harass the Ho Chi Minh Trial, destroying supplies, attacking NVA troops
and generally tough for the Vietnamese traveled and trail. The essentially
making life North soldiers who worked the SGUs were the Special Forces of the Royal Lao Army. As the Americans began to decrease their involvement in the war, the SGUs were transformed and merged into regular units. It was due to SGU GM 33’s exceptional record that the unit was transferred to the 7th Airborne Brigade and with a reduced strength, later named the 713th Airborne Battalion. In all Military Regions the SGUs were transferred to Royal Lao Armed Forces.
During Khao’s time with SGU MR 3 that he had other memorable experiences, like the death of case officer McNaulty mentioned above. He also led a couple of rescue missions for pilots and crews that had been shot down. In these incidents time was of the essence because the enemy was always ready to capture American pilots, so Khao would not wait for orders telling him to secure the crash site. Khao and his units rescued five people from a downed CH-53 helicopter in 1968.
Another rescue occurred in 1972 when an Air America C-123 was shot down on a supply run to Thai troops operating near Paksong in Military Region 4. After talking with the Thai commander, Khao and 80 volunteers set out to destroy the anti-aircraft guns that brought down the plane. After leaving a rear guard with the 81 mm mortars, Khao and the rest attacked the AA sites; however, since the guns couldn’t be carried out, they were destroyed in place. The NVA counter-attacked, but Khao and his men were protected by mortars that had been put in place prior to the attack. He and his units also took out several enemy tanks, 37-mm Anti-Aircraft guns, captured several heavy weapons and took close to two dozen NVA soldiers prisoner.
The war in Southeast Asia officially ended, for the United States, in January 1973 with the signing of the Paris Peace Accords. It would become clear that the commitment of US air power came into question after 1973 when the NVA began to violate the terms of the 1973 peace treaty. The governments of Laos, South Vietnam, and Cambodia could no longer count on US military aid and the end was inevitable. For these three countries the war would continue until 1975. The Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia on April 17, 1975. North Vietnamese troops seized control of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Ironically, given Laos’s importance in the early days of the war, it was the last to fall to the communists. On December 3, 1975, the king abdicated his throne and the so-called Lao People’s Democratic Republic was established.
After the War
In all three countries, officials and soldiers from the former governments were treated badly. Many spent years in re-education camps, where they were essentially prisoners of war. The new regime in Laos told the military that they would have to attend seminars to learn how to be part of the new government. The seminars would be held in camps around the country and would last only a few months.
The camps were prisons and the ‘seminars’ went on for years. Life in the camps was extremely harsh; there was no medicine, no contact with the outside and very little food, usually a small amount of rice.
The food was obtained by subsistence farming and foraging. Both Khao Insixiengmay and Somkhith Mounthapanya spent more than a decade in the camps.
Concluding Comments
The war in Laos was commanded by the U.S. Ambassador in Vientiane, G. McMurtrie Godley. The ambassador delegated the responsibility for the tactical conduct of the war to the CIA station chief, B. Hugh Tovar. In conformity with Ambassador Unger's original organizational scheme, the primary CIA headquarters for the conduct of war was in Thailand. It was located a two-story block building adjacent to an aircraft parking ramp at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force base. The chain of command ran from Udorn to CIA regional headquarters in Laos at Pakse, Savannakhet, Lontiang, Luang Prabang, and Nam You.
Neutral Laos served as a buffer between pro-Western Southeast Asia and the aggressive intentions of North Vietnam and China. However, it was clear by 1971 that Lao neutrality would have to be achieved without a major commitment of U.S. Air power.
During the battle in Skyline MR 2, several GM units from southern Laos, considered to be the government's elite force were called upon to fight that battle. Most of the troops brought from southern Laos suffered casualties equaling one-half to two-thirds of their strength. Case officer Elias P. Chavez led Lao troops who fought in hand-to-hand combat. He received an Intelligence Star from CIA Director William Colby in February 1974.
The Royal Lao Government was almost exclusively concerned with developments in Military Region II because of the threat to the survival of the capital region. However, officials in Vientiane for too long ignored the fact that southern Laos was a strategic area in the communist plan to gain control of Indochina. Maintaining the seat of the government in Vientiane was considered essential, but the developments in south Laos were what really determined the outcome of the war for Cambodia and South Vietnam and, as events proved, for the future of Laos as well.
The war in south Laos was credited to MR III GM, particularly GM 32 and GM 33 for their efforts in MR IV according to Gen. Southchay Vongsavanh, the commander of the Military Region. Military III SGUs were often called upon to reinforce MR II units when they were sent to fight outside Military Region III. Whenever the North Vietnamese Army launched a big
drive, General Vang Pao, MR II commander, would call for reinforcements and MR III invariably responded and suffered heavy casualties. The reverse seldom happened; that is, it was rare when any MR II units were sent to fight outside of Military Region II. Besides reinforcing in region II, the principal mission of the SGUs in Region III was to operate along the Ho Chi Minh Trail according to Maj. Gen. Oudone Sananikone, Royal Lao Armed Forces Chief of
Staff). Since the creation of the Royal Lao Armed Forces, Laos never invaded any of its neighbors, but we had been repeatedly invaded by our neighbors.
The Royal Lao Armed Forces won and lost some battles during the War, which is normal when fighting a War, but Laos did not lose this war to the enemy.
Pictures
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The pictures below say a lot about the Secret War in Laos and the brave soldiers who fought and died in that war.
Recognition
For many years Lao veterans were silent and all but forgotten.
In recent years, this has begun to change. Once again the trident of the Royal Lao Military is side by side with sword and lightning bolts of the U. S. Special Forces. The veterans have received many proclamations, resolutions and letters
from all levels of government recognizing, and honoring, their
sacrifices for the cause of freedom.
Dear Royal Lao Armed Forces & Special Guerilla Unit:
We are proud and honored to have the privilege to have partnered with the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerilla Unit (RLAF & SGU) since 2009 in advocating for the U.S. recognition and VA benefits for your service to the Kingdom of Laos and your sacrifice in the U.S. Secret War inside Laos during the Vietnam War era.
LANA’s 2010 and 2011 Laotian National Conferences, we have highlighted the men and women who were former RLAF & SGU veterans, providing a platform for their efforts to be heard and opportunity for them to educate the public about our history before 1975 and post 1975, why we are here in the U.S. There was only one military in the Kingdom of Laos, the Royal Lao Armed Forces. More than 70% of Laotian Americans are from former Kingdom of Laos RLAF & SGU veteran families.
The Laotian American National Alliance, Inc. (LANA) is the premier resource and advocacy organization in the United States who strives to cultivate the strengths and leadership of all Laotian Americans comprising of the diverse ethnic communities from Hmong, Iu-Mien, Khmu, Lahu, Lao, Tai Lue, Phu Tai, Tai Dam, Tai Phuan and other descendants from Laos who make up the dynamic, collective Laotian American community. The mission, of the Laotian American National Alliance, Inc. (LANA) as a national organization, is dedicated to advancing the social and economic well-being of Laotian Americans in the United States through civic participation and public policy advocacy. LANA is a full voting member of the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) http://ncapaonline.org
Our goal as a national organization is to unite, educate, and advocate for social, health, economic, and educational equity for a stronger community. LANA fosters cultural preservation. LANA is one of three leading organizations who founded the San Francisco’s International Lao New Year Festival (ILNYF) www.LaoNewYear.com going on our 4th year (last Saturday of every April), Saturday, April 28, 2012.
We enjoyed attending and supporting your annual RLAF Anniversary celebrations. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with the RLAF & SGU until our shared mission of achieving recognition and VA benefits is achieved. As allies with the U.S., the multi-ethnic Lao SGU fought side by side with U.S. Forces during the Secret War in Laos and Vietnam War era. We hope the Laotian, AAPI, military
Communities, Dept of Veteran Affairs, and Congress will support our efforts and help our veterans before they pass on from Earth.
The Lao Veterans of America wish to recognize and honor all those who fought and died, side by side with the Royal Lao Military for cause of freedom:
The emblems displayed on this page do not indicate endorsement by any of these entities for the material presented above.
‘As soldiers we did not lose the war, our leaders lost the battle of words.'
Further Reading
There are too many websites to list that have information about the war in Laos.
The following books discuss the war in greater depth.
Briggs, Thomas Leo, Cash On Delivery CIA Special Operation During the Secret War in Laos Conboy, Kenneth, The Shadow War
Conboy, Kenneth, The War in Laos 1960-75
Greco, Frank, Running Recon: A Photo Journey with SOG Special Ops Along the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Leary, Williams M, The CIA and the "Secret" War in Laos: The Battle of Skyline Ridge, 1971-1972
Plaster, John, SOG: A Photo History of the Secret Wars
Robbins, Christopher, The Ravens: The Men Who Flew in America's Secret War in Laos Central Intelligence Agency
Sananikone, Maj. Gen. Oudone, The Royal Lao Army and U.S. Army Advice and Support
Hathorn, Reginald, Here There Are Tigers: The Secret Air War in Laos, 1968-69 Vongsavanh, Brig. Gen. Soutchay, RLG Military Operations and Activities in the Laotian
Panhandle
Warner, Roger, Shooting at the Moon: The Story of America's Clandestine War in Laos
The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance received from many individuals, including Thomas Briggs and LTC James K. Bruton, USAR Ret., Infantry Advisory and Special Forces Assignment in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos.
This booklet was compiled to memorialize those who made the ultimate sacrifice in time of war, 50,000 soldiers of the Kingdom of Laos, 2,000 South Vietnamese, 2,000 Kingdome of Thailand,
and 500 Americans especially Capt. Datsadachanh Insixiengmay, Col. Khai Kittavong SGU GM32 commander, killed 26 October 1972.
WHY PEOPLE ARE SIGNING May 2012
This petition was created by Dr. Scout to propose the President of the United States and congress to grant Veteran Administration Health Care and Benefits to Lao, Hmong and other ethnics, now veterans living in the United States. Fifty thousand Lao, Hmong, and other ethnics of the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerrilla Units were killed and more than 120 thousand suffered wounds as result of the US policy of sponsoring, training, and directing Lao troops under US Special Forces and CIA advisers to advance the defense of South Vietnam.
Jeff Arnold Saint Louis Park Minnesota
The USA and The Royal Lao Armed Forces fought a common enemy - Communists. The Lao were recruited by the USA, trained by the USA, equipped by the USA, saved many USA lives, they became good USA citizens, and they rightfully should be buried alongside USA soldiers. SGT Jeff Arnold, US Special Forces
Lisa B. Boungnasiri Saint Jose California
They sacrificed to fight the secret war side by side with the American troop in Vietnam War and they deserve to get the VA benefits like the American Veterans.
Sitthiphone Saysitthideth Camberra Alabama
To honor our heroes which they have contributed marvelous efforts and sacrificed their lives for protecting liberty, democracy, freedom and justice in Laos and in the region of Indochina as a whole.
Richard Daly Minnesota Won’t Forget Minnesota
In my research as Executive Director of Minnesota Won't Forget POW/MIA I have found that are government has not done the right thing about our POWs left behind or in properly acknowledging the honorable service of the brave men our government secretly recruited.
Reginaldo Jaimes Saint Jose California
These veterans deserve their rights to benefits.
Khamphoui Singvongsa Chicago Illinois
All soldiers of the Royal Lao Armed forces who fought alongside with the USA soldiers during the secret war in Laos, have sacrificed their lives to fight for freedom, democracy, and justice for the Lao people should deserve to be recognized by USA as legitimate veterans and deserve to have equal access to all USA Veteran healthcare benefits and burial rights. Mr. Khamphoui Singvongsa, board chairman, Laotian American National Alliance at
Chanida Potter Crystal Minnesota
I'm signing in support of all the Lao and Hmong veterans who work tirelessly for their rights and access to veterans’ benefits.
My father was also a Lao Royal Army officer/US ally and he struggles on a daily basis with access to affordable healthcare for his chronic conditions.
These veterans are well beyond retirement age and are still being denied equal and fair benefits and acknowledgement for their significant roles. The time is unjustifiably overdue.
Thank you Mr. Khao, fellow comrades, and community leaders; for your continuous advocacy and leadership. I support this letter and urge others to do the same!
Sysay chanthavixay Saint Jose California
For human rights and democracy, people help people
Bounluk Thongsavath Phoenix Arizona We need to honor and recognize all our veterans from the Vietnam War.
Niphaphone Souvanasy Minneapolis Minnesota
We would like our Lao Veterans to gain benefit and to be treated as US Veterans. Thank you!
Douangphoutha Khamphiou France
L'armée nationale lao et les forces spéciales lao ont combattu aux côtés des américains contre les communistes au même titre que les armées des autres nations de l'Asie du Sud Est. Si les combattants des armées des autres nations bénéficient des avantages sociaux de la part du gouvernement des USA, pourquoi pas l'ANL et les SGU lao ? Que la guerre soit secrète ou pas, les combattants lao se sont engagés ouvertement à la lutte contre les mêmes ennemis pour les intérêts des USA et leurs alliés.
Khamphiou
Janice Carroll Brooklyn Center Minnesota
The men and women of the Royal Lao Armed Forces deserve benefits for the sacrifices they made during the Vietnam War. It is the right thing for the US Government to do.
Keith Larson Two Harbors Minnesota
Us Army Special Forces MACVSOG CCN recon All these brave soldiers are asking is what the have earned. Wake up politicians!
Houmpheng Phongsavath Minneapolis Minnesota
All men and women who serve and sacrificed their life to protected freedom they should be known.
SengFo Chao Gresham Oregan
The Laotian Multi-Ethnic Veterans, including Mien or Yao were recruited and trained by the U.S. They fought alongside the U.S and saved American lives. Thus, they deserve the health insurance and other benefits. Thank you very much.
Danny Khounthavong
For my grandfather who fought in the war and doesn't get the same benefits as others who fought in the war.
SSG Stephen (Tim) Kirk Minnesota
The RLAF and SGU were responsible for saving the lives of thousands of American soldiers. As an American Special Forces soldier who fought in Laos alongside these men, and who saw many of them die to save our lives, I believe they deserve US veterans’ rights.
Steve Wedeking Hugo Minnesota
If Tim Kirk says sign it, sign it.
Danny Meksavanh San Jose California
To give recognition to all that has made sacrifices for our country whether their role in the war was a secret or not. They deserve the same benefits.
Houmphanh Bougnasiri San Jose California
I was a former battalion commander of the Royal Lao Special Guerrilla Unit who fought in that secret war from 1961 to 1975 in the northern and southern part of Laos. I was trained by the US Special Forces in Fort Bragg; NC and I was working with the US Special Forces case officers in Laos. I deserve to get the VA benefit like US veterans.
Michael Caggiano
They fought with us and deserved the same medical benefits as our service members
Bill Laurie Mesa Arizona
Members of the RLAF kept three NVA divisions tied up in Laos, preventing them from deployment to South Viet Nam where they would have killed more Americans and South Vietnamese. RLAF elements also rescued U.S. pilots shot down over Laos. Their only mistake was believing the U.S. government would be a more loyal ally than Russia was to Hanoi. We were all united in common effort to stop Hanoi's militant expansionism and wars of conquest. There remains a moral if not legal obligation to aid RLAF allies for their noble and courageous service.
Michael Lauth San Jose California
Houmphan Bourgnasiri works with me at iXsystems and I appreciate the sacrifice he and his fellow military members made in the defense of our country and theirs.
Kosom Senlouangrat
I believe in fairness, it should be treated as such, They deserve the same benefits. They are our heroes too. Their sacrifice is as honorable as any Vietnam Vet. and should be honored as one. This hits to close to home and I would want them to be honored as one.
Jennifer Ward Burlington North Colorina
Anyone who is willing to put others before themselves for the greater good of their country should be looked at and treated as a hero. I admire all our warriors from the Vietnam War. ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL
Steven Anderson Hugo Minnesota
They were trained by the U.S.- Uniformed by the U.S --Many we under the command and control of U.S troops or advisers. Tens of thousands died or wounded interdicting the Communists and undoubtedly saved thousands of American Lives in the process.
We can start by e-mailing your congressman telling them to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 3192-- Eligibility for internment in National Cemeteries..
Steven Anderson, Friend of the Lao
Kham Phiou Manivanh Moreno Valley California
As a Fighter Bomber, Gunship pilot and Squadron Commander who was trained by USAF Air Commando with 3000+ on T-28 and 1200+ on AC-47 combat sorties which direct and support by CIA, I believed that would QUALIFIED for the same entitle benefit as US Veterans.
Christine Goucher
It’s the right thing to do!!!
Bounkhong Arounsavat Australia
Please recognize all of our veterans from the Vietnam War.
David Lopez Madison Wisconsin
As a former Captain in the USAF, I am thankful for the contributions of these fine soldiers. I proudly join in their righteous effort to achieve the well-deserved recognition this country owes them. Thank you for your service.
Sourichanh Chanthyasa Washington DC
The Kingdom of Laos' military: Royal Lao Armed Forces (RLAF) was paid by the US Congress and the multi-ethnic Special Guerilla Units (SGU) was directly paid by the US CIA; hence the US Secret War in Laos. I am proud to be the son of a former RLAF military 18 year veteran who worked in the Supreme Headquarter Intelligence Unit in Vientiane. More than 70% of Laotian Americans refugees came to the US from a military family. The RLAF & SGU sacrificed much for democracy & the ideals of freedom, protected & saved many American soldiers: and many paid the ultimate sacrificed for their Motherland. The roughly 25.000 or so surviving former RLAF & SGU veterans should be officially & publicly recognized and granted US veteran status to receive VA benefits.
Edward Komac Maplewood Minnesota
I spent three tours in Vietnam and did operations in Laos in 1967 and 1971
Mark Carroll Brooklyn Center Minnesota
Mr. Khao is a friend of mine. Over the years I've gotten to know many Lao veterans and they are honorable men who deserve recognition for their service.
Major Robert D. Cole (USA-Ret) Pensacola Florida
As a Vietnam Veteran, I know the Lao and Hmong, among others, were brave, loyal and fierce fighters. They were largely left behind; and suffered greatly for their service on behalf of the United States. For those who managed to come to America and become citizens, the least we can do is recognize their contributions as combatants for us and grant them the benefits they seek.
Johne Chanthabane Connecticut
My father was one of those soldiers recruited, he had had a very tough life after the war. With very little recognition for his service, he has suffered a lot of traumatic stress from what he has witnessed in the war. Please don't allow our veterans to be forgotten. Even if they were recruited in secret what they did for America shouldn't be. Thank you everyone!
Latsamy Bounthavy Milpitas California
Vietnam Veterans deserve to get VA benefits.
Jerry Smith Cedarburg Wisconsin
The men and women of the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerrilla Units served and fought courageously with the US Secret Army in Laos. Their sacrifice and valor should be honored by recognition as veterans deserving VA benefits. JWSmith, 5th Special Forces Group, RVN 1966-67
Thomas Briggs Rockville Marriland
I was assigned to work for the USG in Laos for two years (1970-72) and witnessed, first hand, the efforts of Lao citizens to fight against the North Vietnamese on behalf of the US Government.
Vang Xiong X.Toyed Brooklyn Park Minnesota
I respect and honor our veterans for their services and sacrifice as national heroes
Chansmouth Sisouvanh
c'est avec un grand honneur d'avoir servi dans la FARL, ( force armée du royaume du Laos ) .
Manysavanh Phothisane Brooklyn Park Minnesota
They risked their lives for the same reason American troops did--- to attain justice and freedom for their families. They deserve the utmost respect, honor and benefits alike for their efforts.
Richard Gabatino Minneapolis Minnesota
The Lao Armed Forces fought side-by-side with U.S. forces in SE Asia, shared the same dangers and hardships and now, after these many years, they need to receive similar benefits and acknowledgement. This is long overdue.
Chris Porter
This is simply the RIGHT thing to do.
NOE VONGNALATH
I believe all the Lao veterans and their families should be available for health insurance and veterans benefits because of their efforts and they had sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.
AM Hall
Whoever served needs to be recognized.
Edward Pfeifer
us army special forces retired.
Bounthanh Latsady
To honor all Royal Lao Veterans who fought under the US Special Forces comment and save many American lives in the Vietnam War.
DANIEL ELISEUSON
To honor heroes and their families that sacrificed so much-----and saved our butts!
Phaithoun Phothisane Brooklyn Center Minnesota
I picked democracy and fought a long side American. After the war ended, I was captured by the communists. Spend 15 yrs. in Communist's "re-educational camp". Filipino veterans got VA benefits for their role in the WWII. I along with thousands of Lao Veterans risk our lives fighting for the US military in the Vietnam war. We were recruited and trained by the US military, did our missions and role as US military. So it's only fair that we too should be granted VA benefits.
Capt. Phaithoun Phothisane, SGU Commando. Special Forces MR. 3.
March Phonphiboun Minneapolis Minnesoata
My Dad needs help.
VongDeuane Vongmany Vasilia California
We fought side by side with the American troop in Vietnam War. We must not be forgotten by American public. Friends should help friends.
Norman Cottrell N Terre Haute IN
It is fair and the right thing to do
Thuy Smith Chippewa Fall Wisconson
They were our allies during the war, we need to continue to be their ally today and support them in this bill. Thank you to all the Laos as well as Hmong veterans who sacrificed much. Proud Daughter of an American Vietnam Veteran- Thuy Smith
James Powell Aubum California
A kind hardworking man a dedicated family man, a dedicated employee and represents the values of our democracy and fought loyally for them.
Gary Honold Clarkville Tennesse
These soldiers fought alongside, and in most cases, in place of U.S. soldiers. Now, as U.S. Citizens, they deserve the same benefits.
Calvin Wierma Minneapolis Minnesota
For my friend's faher.
Mychal Mitchell Evansion Illinois
My father-in-law and two uncles are veterans and were committed to the camps.
Mee Vang Minneapolis Minnesota
My dad is a Veteran; he was one of the many Hmong soldiers who fought and risked their lives in the Secret War, helping rescue fallen pilots and such. As far as I know, he doesn't receive any benefits like other Veterans I know of. I hope that by signing this petition, my father will be equally recognized as one, just like many others.
Judith Craig Rock Hill South Cororina
My brother-in-law and lots of friends fought in this war.
Soudavone Khamvongsa Minneapolis Minnesota
Veterans deserve the right to health care, and that is a human right that no one should be denied.
Aaron Manithep San Jose California
I am Laotian.
ATHAKHANH MAnousack Marietta Georgia
To honor our heroes and who protect freedom fight communists YES they are deserve get the benefits like the American veterans.
Bounthavy Nonginthirath South St. Paul Minnesoat
To honor all the veterans who serve in the Lao Royal Arm forces who fought in the Vietnam War with the US, and one of them is my beloved R-I-P dad so all of them that still alive can get the health insurance, and the other benefits that they deserve.
LEE SOUTHIVONGNORATH Bloomington Minnesota
To honor my dad the General and the rest of the veterans that worked for the CIA for the efforts and sacrificed for freedom and justice in Laos.
Jerry Smith Cedarburg Wisconsin
The men and women of the Royal Lao Armed Forces and Special Guerrilla Units served and fought courageously with the US Secret Army in Laos. Their sacrifice and valor should be honored by recognition as veterans deserving VA benefits. JW Smith, 5th Special Forces Group, RVN 1966-67
Eli Chavez Albuquerque NM
Dear Colonel: Thank you, my brother, for standing up for the Low Land Lao for their courageous actions through Laos during the Secret War in Laos. SGU GM 30 which I controlled was a kick ass Lao Land Lao outfit that destroyed the North Vietnamese on the top of Skyline Ridge at Longtieng.
Supermex, Case Officer MR 3 SGU 1970-72
Jeremy Neumann Onalaska Wisconsin
My father Albert Jerry Neumann US Special Forces, served a long side the Royal Lao Armed Forces for two years during the Secret War. I have had many opportunities to meet and have dinner with these soldiers, share some of their culture as well, great groups of soldiers and citizens. We need to provide some benefits as us.
Phet Gaudet Petal Missouri
To honor my father MG Khambang Sibounheuang, he was a member of the Royal Lao Army.
Bush Cze Boualy San Diego California
Colonel Khao Insixiengmay President of Lao American Veterans. I would like to let you know that I am supporting you for the Lao American veterans. I worked with CIA since 1962 in Laos. I worked for the combat intelligence control Vietnam and Chinese Embassy in Vientiane Capital City of Laos. And also, since 1965-1969 I was chief staff combat intelligence worked for CIA anti Ho Chi Minh Trail South of Laos at Attopeu Province. From 1969-1972 I was chief staff combat intelligence for SGU at ban Houei Nam Poo, Kasi City Vientiane province.
John Hurd Hungry Horse Montana
My name is John Hurd and I was a Case officer in Laos for two years from 70 to 72.I was assigned to MR3 and worked with Road Watch and Riverine Teams for six months on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In January of 71, I was assigned to GM 31, a Group Mobile consisting of four battalions. In the fall of 1971, GM 31 retook Hill 1978 which was Northeast of Long Chien. GM 31 officers and men performed as well as any military unit under like circumstances. The unit was blessed with great leadershipthat inckuded Sewat, who was killed at Samthong, Khao always lead the front, Chommany who never refused a mission. GM 31, you are all honorable soldiers that did your duty.